Transformable computing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A transformable computing apparatus and methods for configuring. An apparatus comprising a display, a key-entry device pivotally attached with the display and a housing pivotally attached with the display is configurable into an interactive user configuration when the key-entry device is pivoted about an edge of the display to a position adjacent with the display surface and the housing is pivoted about the edge of the display to a position adjacent with the opposing surface of the display. The apparatus is configurable into another interactive user configuration when the key-entry device is pivoted about the edge of the display to a position wherein an angle between the display surface and the key-entry device of substantially 90 degrees or more is formed, the housing being optionally pivoted about the edge of the display to a support position for the key-entry device.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to the field of digitalcomputing devices. In particular, the disclosure relates to atransformable apparatus for computing in a plurality of configurations.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Today, a personal computing and/or communicating device such as alaptop or notebook computer, for example, or a tablet or palm-heldcomputer, has a single typical mode of use. The display of a tabletcomputer, for example, may be touch-sensitive for interactive user inputby a stylus or pen-like device. A notebook, on the other hand, mayaccept interactive user input through a keyboard or a pointing devicesuch as a mouse or a touch pad. While personal computing and/orcommunicating devices are rapidly changing, with new technologies fordisplays, pointing devices, keyboards and such, the mode of interactiveuser input for a particular device is typically limited to a smallnumber of fixed functional options with some support for the addition ofperipheral devices and docking configurations.

[0003] Another common characteristic of current personal computingand/or communicating devices is the importance of battery life. Systemmanufacturers go to great lengths to conserve power and charge premiumsfor the latest battery technologies. Processors have design featuressuch as automatic frequency reduction directed at limiting powerconsumption and display devices dim backlighting when on battery power.Systems put themselves into a standby mode after a period of no userinput or when power reserves reach a critical level.

[0004] At times, it may be inconvenient for a user to have such alimited range of options. A particular user may most often need tointeract with a device while holding the device in one hand, but muststore or carry along one or more peripherals in order to read data froma disk or to interact with the device through a keyboard or view a fullcolor display. If an extra battery is not readily available, the usermay be forced to terminate interactive use of the device until analternative power source is available. This situation is especiallyprevalent since current display devices require a significant portion ofa battery's power reserves. A user carrying a notebook computer may notrequire a full color display or even a keyboard to read email but thedevice may not be so flexible as to permit easy reconfiguration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and notlimitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

[0006]FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a computing device having afirst user interactive configuration with a fully active display area.

[0007]FIG. 2 illustrates a second user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 1 with the keyboard housing covering part ofthe display area to place the display device in a mode of reduced powerconsumption while another part of the display area remains visible andinteractive.

[0008]FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a computing device having apivotally attached keyboard housing.

[0009]FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a computing devicehaving a first user interactive configuration with a fully activedisplay area.

[0010]FIG. 5 illustrates a second user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 4 with the keyboard housing covering part ofthe display area to place the display device in a mode of reduced powerconsumption while another part of the display area remains visible andinteractive.

[0011]FIG. 6 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a computingdevice having a first user interactive configuration with a fully activedisplay area.

[0012]FIG. 7 illustrates a second user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 6 with the keyboard housing covering part ofthe display area to place the display device in a mode of reduced powerconsumption while another part of the display area remains visible andinteractive.

[0013]FIG. 8a illustrates one embodiment of a transformable computingdevice having a first user interactive configuration with a fully activedisplay area.

[0014]FIG. 8b illustrates a second user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8a with the keyboard housing covering part ofthe display area to place the display device in a mode of reduced powerconsumption while another part of the display area remains visible andinteractive.

[0015]FIG. 8c illustrates a third user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8a with a fully active display area and withthe base housing pivotally displaced to support the device from behindthe display.

[0016]FIG. 8d illustrates a fourth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8a with the keyboard housing pivotallydisplaced to a mode of reduced power consumption while the base housingis pivotally displaced to support the device from behind the display.

[0017]FIG. 8e illustrates a fifth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8a with a fully active display area and withthe base housing pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacentwith the back surface of the display.

[0018]FIG. 8f illustrates a sixth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8a with the keyboard housing pivotallydisplaced to a mode of reduced power consumption while the base housingis pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacent with the backsurface of the display.

[0019]FIG. 8g illustrates a closed standby or shut down configuration ofthe computing device of FIG. 8a.

[0020]FIG. 9a illustrates an alternative embodiment of a transformablecomputing device having a first user interactive configuration with afully active display area.

[0021]FIG. 9b illustrates a second user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9a with the keyboard housing covering part ofthe display area to place the display device in a mode of reduced powerconsumption while another part of the display area remains visible andinteractive.

[0022]FIG. 9c illustrates a third user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9a with a fully active display area and withthe base housing pivotally displaced to support the device from behindthe display.

[0023]FIG. 9d illustrates a fourth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9a with the keyboard housing pivotallydisplaced to a mode of reduced power consumption while the base housingis pivotally displaced to support the device from behind the display.

[0024]FIG. 9e illustrates a fifth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9a with a fully active display area and withthe base housing pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacentwith the back surface of the display.

[0025]FIG. 9f illustrates a sixth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9a with the keyboard housing pivotallydisplaced to a mode of reduced power consumption while the base housingis pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacent with the backsurface of the display.

[0026]FIG. 9g illustrates a closed standby or shut down configuration ofthe computing device of FIG. 9a.

[0027]FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a computingdevice having a pivotally attached keyboard housing.

[0028]FIG. 11 illustrates one alternative embodiment of a userinteractive configuration of a computing device in a mode of reducedpower consumption with a keyboard housing covering part of the displayarea while another part of the display area remains visible andinteractive, a base housing being pivotally displaced to a coplanarposition adjacent with the back surface of the display.

[0029]FIG. 12 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a userinteractive configuration of a computing device with a fully activedisplay area, a base housing being pivotally displaced to a coplanarposition adjacent with the back surface of the display and a keyboardhousing being pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacent withthe base housing.

[0030]FIG. 13 illustrates a closed standby or shut down configuration ofthe computing device of FIG. 11 or of FIG. 12.

[0031]FIG. 14a illustrates in detail one alternative embodiment of aclosed, standby or shut down configuration of a transformable computingdevice.

[0032]FIG. 14b illustrates in detail a user interactive configuration ofthe transformable computing device of FIG. 14a with the keyboard housingoptionally displaced to a mode of reduced power consumption while thebase housing is pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacent withthe back surface of the display.

[0033]FIG. 14c illustrates in detail another user interactiveconfiguration of the transformable computing device of FIG. 14a with afully active display area, the keyboard housing being supported by thebase housing which is pivotally displaced to form an angle with displaysurface of substantially 90 degrees.

[0034]FIG. 15a illustrates in detail another alternative embodiment of aclosed, standby or shut down configuration of a transformable computingdevice.

[0035]FIG. 15b illustrates in detail a user interactive configuration ofthe transformable computing device of FIG. 15a with the keyboard housingoptionally displaced to a mode of reduced power consumption while thebase housing is pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacent withthe back surface of the display.

[0036]FIG. 15c illustrates in detail another user interactiveconfiguration of the transformable computing device of FIG. 15a with afully active display area, the keyboard housing being supported by thebase housing which is pivotally displaced to form an angle with displaysurface of substantially 90 degrees.

[0037]FIG. 16a illustrates in detail another alternative embodiment of aclosed, standby or shut down configuration of a transformable computingdevice.

[0038]FIG. 16b illustrates in detail a user interactive configuration ofthe transformable computing device of FIG. 16a with the keyboard housingoptionally displaced to a mode of reduced power consumption while thebase housing is pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacent withthe back surface of the display.

[0039]FIG. 16c illustrates in detail another user interactiveconfiguration of the transformable computing device of FIG. 16a with afully active display area, the keyboard housing being supported by thebase housing which is pivotally displaced to form an angle with displaysurface of substantially 90 degrees.

[0040]FIG. 17a illustrates a flow diagram for one embodiment of aprocess for configuring a plurality of user interactive modes of atransformable computing device.

[0041]FIG. 17b illustrates a flow diagram for one embodiment of aprocess for optionally configuring between a plurality of userinteractive modes and a standby mode of a transformable computingdevice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Disclosed herein is a transformable computing apparatus andmethods for configuring. An apparatus comprising a display, a key-entrydevice or keyboard pivotally attached with the display and a housingpivotally attached with the display is configurable into an interactiveuser configuration when the key-entry device is pivoted about an edge ofthe display to a position substantially coplanar and adjacent with thedisplay surface and the housing is pivoted about the edge of the displayto a position substantially coplanar and adjacent with the opposingsurface of the display. The apparatus is configurable into anotherinteractive user configuration when the key-entry device is pivotedabout the edge of the display to a position wherein an angle between thedisplay surface and the key-entry device of substantially 90 degrees ormore is formed, the housing being optionally pivoted about the edge ofthe display to a support position for the key-entry device or to asupport position behind the display.

[0043] These and other embodiments of the present invention may berealized in accordance with the following teachings and it should beevident that various modifications and changes may be made in thefollowing teachings without departing from the broader spirit and scopeof the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to beregarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense and theinvention measured only in terms of the claims and their equivalents.

[0044] For the purpose of the following discussion of embodiments of thepresent invention, illustrative terms are used. Definitions for certainsuch illustrative terms follows.

[0045] A computing device or a communicating device may be understood tomean any one of a variety of devices for accessing data and/orcommunications. Examples include but are not limited to any combinationsof one or more of the following: laptop computers, notebook computers;desktop computers, personal digital assistants, handheld computers,personal organizers; palmtop computers, pocket computers, cellulartelephone/fax devices, game computers, digitizing tablet devices,electronic books, or digital audio recorder/players.

[0046] A keyboard or a key-entry device may be understood to mean anyone of a variety of devices for keyed entry of data, including but notlimited to a combination of one or more of the following: analpha-numeric keyboard having symbols of any language; a telephonekeypad having numeric or alpha-numeric keys and/or various redial,memory-dial, messaging or other function keys and optionally including aglide-point or other pointing device; a numeric keypad with variousmathematical operation keys; a directional keypad with arrows, menus orselection keys; a gaming keypad; an entertainment or presentationkey-entry device with various seek, scan, play, reverse, fast-forward,channel select, volume control, level control or other function keys; acash register keyboard; or any custom key-entry device havingmechanical, electronic, printed, projected or other type of keys foruser interaction.

[0047] A display may be understood to mean any one of a variety ofdevices for displaying data, images, icons, etc. It may comprise acontinuous or discontinuous, flat, curved or flexible display surfaceincluding but not limited to a combination of one or more of thefollowing technologies: liquid crystal with amorphous silicon thin-filmtransistor, metal-insulator-metal, or polysilicon thin-film transistoractive matrix displays or liquid crystal with color super-twist nematic,double-layer supertwist nematic, high performance addressing, or dualscan passive matrix displays; back lit displays; electroluminescentdisplays; gas plasma displays; plasma addressed liquid crystal displays;digital visual interface displays; field emission displays; cathode raytube displays; thin cold cathode displays; organic light-emitting diodedisplays; light-emitting polymer displays; touch screen displays usingmulti-wire resistive, surface wave, touch-on-tube, or infrared touchsensing; interlaced or progressive scanned displays; heads-up displays;back-projecting displays; reflective displays; or holographicautostereoscopic displays.

[0048] It will be appreciated that the invention may be modified inarrangement and detail by those skilled in the art without departingfrom the principles of the present invention within the scope of theaccompanying claims and their equivalents.

[0049] Turning now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a computing device isillustrated, the computing device having a first user interactiveconfiguration 101 with a fully active display area 114. The computingdevice also includes base housing 112, keyboard housing 111, andpointing device 116. In one embodiment, base housing 112 is pivotallyattached with display area 114 and comprises one or more processors, anda rechargeable battery. In one embodiment, keyboard housing 111 iselectrically connected with base housing 112 by wires, and in analternative embodiment keyboard housing 111 comprises a wirelesskeyboard. In the first user interactive configuration 101, keyboardhousing 111 forms an angle 113 with display area 114 of substantially 90degrees or more. For one embodiment of the first user interactiveconfiguration 101, keyboard housing 111 and pointing device 116 are bothactive to receive user input.

[0050]FIG. 2 illustrates a second user interactive configuration 201 ofthe computing device of FIG. 1 with the keyboard housing 111 covering aportion of the display area 114 to place the display device in a mode ofreduced power consumption while another portion 214 of the display arearemains visible and interactive. For one embodiment of the computingdevice, keyboard housing 111 is pivotally attached with display area114, and displaced from the position of the first user interactiveconfiguration 101 to a position substantially coplanar with display area114 in the second user interactive configuration 201. For onealternative embodiment of the computing device, keyboard housing 111 isdeactivated to transmit user input in the second user interactiveconfiguration 201.

[0051]FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a computing device 300 havinga display device 314 and a keyboard housing 311, which is pivotallyattached with display device 314 proximate edge 315. For one embodimentof computing device 300, keyboard housing 311 is pivotally displaceableabout edge 315 from a first position substantially coplanar with thesurface of the display device 314 wherein a bottom portion of thedisplay area of display device 314 is visually obscured by keyboardhousing 311 and is not active to display output. Keyboard housing 311 isalso displaceable to a second position with the surface of displaydevice 314 wherein the bottom portion of the display area is visible andthe entire display area of display device 314 is active to displayoutput.

[0052]FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a computing devicehaving a first user interactive configuration 401 with a fully activedisplay area 414. The computing device includes base housing 412, andkeyboard housing 411. In one embodiment, base housing 412 is pivotallyattached with display area 414. For one embodiment of the first userinteractive configuration 401, keyboard housing 411 forms an angle 413with display area 414 of substantially 90 degrees or more. For oneembodiment of the first user interactive configuration 401, keyboardhousing 411 is active to receive user input.

[0053]FIG. 5 illustrates a second user interactive configuration 501 ofthe computing device of FIG. 4 with the keyboard housing 411 covering aportion of the display area 414 to place the display device in a mode ofreduced power consumption while another portion 514 of the display arearemains visible and interactive. For one embodiment of the computingdevice, keyboard housing 411 is pivotally attached with display area414, and displaced from the position of the first user interactiveconfiguration 401 to a position substantially coplanar with display area414 in the second user interactive configuration 501. For onealternative embodiment of the computing device, keyboard housing 411 isdeactivated to transmit user input in the second user interactiveconfiguration 401. For one alternative embodiment of the second userinteractive configuration 501, base housing 412 is pivotallydisplaceable about an angle 513 with respect to display area 414 andkeyboard housing 411.

[0054]FIG. 6 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a computingdevice having a first user interactive configuration 601 with a fullyactive display area 614. The computing device includes base housing 612,and keyboard housing 611. For one embodiment of the first userinteractive configuration 601, keyboard housing 611 forms an angle 613with display area 614 of substantially 90 degrees or more. For oneembodiment of the first user interactive configuration 601, keyboardhousing 611 is active to receive user input.

[0055]FIG. 7 illustrates a second user interactive configuration 701 ofthe computing device of FIG. 6 with the keyboard housing 611 covering aportion of the display area 614 to place the display device in a mode ofreduced power consumption while another portion 714 of the display arearemains visible and interactive. For one embodiment of the computingdevice, keyboard housing 611 is pivotally attached with display area614, and displaced from the position of the first user interactiveconfiguration 601 to a position substantially coplanar with display area714 in the second user interactive configuration 701. For onealternative embodiment of the computing device, keyboard housing 611 isdeactivated to transmit user input in the second user interactiveconfiguration 701.

[0056]FIG. 8a illustrates one embodiment of a transformable computingdevice having a first user interactive configuration with a fully activedisplay area 814 and a keyboard housing 811 pivotally attached aboutpivot axis 818, keyboard housing 811 forming an angle 813 with displayarea 814 of substantially 90 degrees or more. For one embodiment of thetransformable computing device, base housing 812 is pivotally attachedabout pivot axis 817 with respect to display area 814, pivot axis 818and keyboard housing 811. For one alternative embodiment of thetransformable computing device, pivot axis 817 and pivot axis 818function as a double acting hinge. For another alternative embodiment ofthe transformable computing device, pivot axis 818 may be divided topermit display area 814 and keyboard housing 811 to pivot independentlyabout pivot axis 817, functioning as a pair of double acting hinges.

[0057]FIG. 8b illustrates a second user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8a with the keyboard housing 811 covering partof the display area 814 to place the display device in a mode of reducedpower consumption while another part 824 of the display area remainsvisible and interactive. Keyboard housing 811 is displaced about pivotaxis 818 from the position of the first user interactive configurationto a position substantially coplanar with display area 814 in the seconduser interactive configuration.

[0058]FIG. 8c illustrates a third user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8a with a fully active display area 814 andwith the base housing 812 pivotally displaced about pivot axis 817, basehousing 812 forming an angle 810 with a back surface opposite displayarea 814 of substantially 90 degrees to support the computing devicefrom behind the display. Keyboard housing 811 forms an angle 813 aboutpivot axis 818 with the front surface of display area 814 ofsubstantially 90 degrees or more.

[0059]FIG. 8d illustrates a fourth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8a with the keyboard housing 811 pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 818 to a position substantially coplanar withdisplay area 814 to place the display device in a mode of reduced powerconsumption. While keyboard housing 811 covers part of the display area814, another part 824 of the display area remains visible andinteractive. Base housing 812 is pivotally displaced about pivot axis817, base housing 812 forming an angle 810 with the back surfaceopposite display area 814 of substantially 90 degrees to support thecomputing device from behind the display.

[0060]FIG. 8e illustrates a fifth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8a with a fully active display area 814 andwith the base housing 812 pivotally displaced about pivot axis 817 to acoplanar position adjacent with the back surface of the display.Keyboard housing 811 again forms an angle 813 about pivot axis 818 withthe front surface of display area 814 of substantially 90 degrees ormore.

[0061]FIG. 8f illustrates a sixth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8a with the keyboard housing 811 pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 818 to a mode of reduced power consumptionwhile the base housing 812 is pivotally displaced about pivot axis 817to a coplanar position adjacent with the back surface of the display.While keyboard housing 811 covers part of the display area 814, anotherpart 824 of the display area remains visible and interactive. For oneembodiment of the computing device, keyboard housing 811 is deactivatedto transmit user input in the coplanar position adjacent with displayarea 814. For an alternative embodiment of the computing device,keyboard housing 811 is activated to transmit user input in the coplanarposition adjacent with display area 814 but the covered part of displayarea 814 is deactivated.

[0062]FIG. 8g illustrates a closed standby or shut down configuration ofthe computing device of FIG. 8a. Keyboard housing 811 is pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 818 and base housing 812 is pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 817 to substantially coplanar positionsadjacent with display area 814. The computing device, sensing the closedposition of base housing 812 with respect to display area 814 enters asecond mode of reduced power consumption. For one embodiment of thecomputing device, keyboard housing 811 is deactivated to transmit userinput and all of display area 814 is deactivated. For an alternativeembodiment base housing 812 enters a standby configuration.

[0063]FIG. 9a illustrates an alternative embodiment of a transformablecomputing device having a first user interactive configuration with afully active display area 914 pivotally attached about pivot axis 918and a keyboard housing 911 pivotally attached about pivot axis 916,keyboard housing 911 forming an angle 913 with display area 914 ofsubstantially 90 degrees or more. For one embodiment of thetransformable computing device, base housing 912 is pivotally attachedabout pivot axis 917 with respect to display area 914, pivot axis 918,keyboard housing 911 and pivot axis 916. For one alternative embodimentof the transformable computing device, pivot axis 917 and pivot axis 918function as a double acting hinge. For another alternative embodiment ofthe transformable computing device, pivot axis 916 and pivot axis 918function as a second double acting hinge.

[0064]FIG. 9b illustrates a second user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9a with the keyboard housing 911 covering partof the display area 914 to place the display device in a mode of reducedpower consumption while another part 924 of the display area remainsvisible and interactive. Keyboard housing 911 is displaced about pivotaxis 916 and also about pivot axis 918 from the position of the firstuser interactive configuration to a position substantially coplanar withdisplay area 914 in the second user interactive configuration.

[0065]FIG. 9c illustrates a third user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9a with a fully active display area 914 andwith the base housing 912 pivotally displaced about pivot axis 917forming an angle 910 with a back surface opposite display area 914 ofsubstantially 90 degrees to support the computing device from behind thedisplay. Keyboard housing 911 forms an angle 913 about pivot axis 916and pivot axis 918 with the front surface of display area 914 ofsubstantially 90 degrees or more.

[0066]FIG. 9d illustrates a fourth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9a with the keyboard housing 911 pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 916 and pivot axis 918 to a positionsubstantially coplanar with display area 914 to place the display devicein a mode of reduced power consumption. While keyboard housing 911covers part of the display area 914, another part 924 of the displayarea remains visible and interactive. Base housing 912 is pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 917 forming an angle 910 with the backsurface opposite display area 914 of substantially 90 degrees to supportthe computing device from behind the display.

[0067]FIG. 9e illustrates a fifth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9a with a fully active display area 914 andwith the base housing 912 pivotally displaced about pivot axis 917 andpivot axis 918 to a coplanar position adjacent with the back surface ofthe display. Keyboard housing 911 again forms an angle 913 about pivotaxis 916 and pivot axis 918 with the front surface of display area 914of substantially 90 degrees or more.

[0068]FIG. 9f illustrates a sixth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9a with the keyboard housing 911 pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 916 and pivot axis 918 to a mode of reducedpower consumption while the base housing 912 is pivotally displacedabout pivot axis 917 and pivot axis 918 to a coplanar position adjacentwith the back surface of the display. While keyboard housing 911 coverspart of the display area 914, another part 924 of the display arearemains visible and interactive. For one embodiment of the computingdevice, display area 914 is deactivated to transmit user input in thecoplanar position adjacent with keyboard housing 911. For an alternativeembodiment of the computing device, part 924 of the display area 914 isactivated to transmit user input in the coplanar position adjacent withkeyboard housing 911 but the covered part of display area 914 andkeyboard housing 911 are deactivated.

[0069]FIG. 9g illustrates a closed standby or shut down configuration ofthe computing device of FIG. 9a. Keyboard housing 911 is pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 916 and pivot axis 918 and base housing 912is pivotally displaced about pivot axis 917 and pivot axis 918 tosubstantially coplanar positions adjacent with display area 914. Thecomputing device, sensing the closed position of base housing 912 withrespect to display area 914 enters a standby or shut down configuration.

[0070]FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a computingdevice 1000 having a display device 1014 and a keyboard housing 1011,which is pivotally attached with display device 1014 proximate edge1015. For one embodiment of computing device 1000, keyboard housing 1011is pivotally displaceable about edge 1015 from a first positionsubstantially coplanar with the surface of the display device 1014wherein a portion of the display area of display device 1014 is visuallyobscured by keyboard housing 1011 and is not active to display output orto transmit user input. For one embodiment of computing device 1000,keyboard housing 1011 is active to transmit user input when in thisfirst position. Keyboard housing 1011 is also displaceable to a secondposition with the surface of display device 1014 wherein the bottomportion of the display area is visible and the entire display area ofdisplay device 1014 is active to display output and to transmit userinput (for example from a touch of a stylus, digit, light pen or otherdevice).

[0071]FIG. 11 illustrates one alternative embodiment of a userinteractive configuration of a computing device in a mode of reducedpower consumption with a keyboard housing 1111 pivotally attached aboutpivot axis 1116 and covering a portion of the display area of displaydevice 1113 while the display area 1114 remains visible and interactive,a base housing 1112 being pivotally displaced about pivot axis 1117 andpivot axis 1118 to a coplanar position adjacent with the back surface ofdisplay device 1113. For one embodiment keyboard housing 1111 ispivotally displaceable about a double acting hinge comprising pivot axis1116 and pivot axis 1119 attached with base housing 1112. For anotherembodiment keyboard housing 1111 comprises a detachable and/orreversible keyboard. For one alternative embodiment display device 1113is pivotally displaceable about a double acting hinge comprising pivotaxis 1118 and pivot axis 1117 attached with base housing 1112. Foranother alternative embodiment keyboard housing 1111 is pivotallydisplaceable about pivot axis 1116 and/or pivot axis 1118 attached withdisplay device 1113.

[0072]FIG. 12 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a userinteractive configuration of a computing device with a fully activedisplay area 1214, a base housing 1212 being pivotally displaced aboutpivot axis 1217 and pivot axis 1218 to a coplanar position adjacent withthe back surface of the display 1213, and a keyboard housing 1211 beingpivotally displaced about pivot axis 1216 and pivot axis 1219 to acoplanar position adjacent with the base housing 1212. For oneembodiment of the computing device, the entire display area 1214 ofdisplay 1213 is active to display output and to transmit user input.

[0073]FIG. 13 illustrates a closed standby or shut down configuration ofthe computing device of FIG. 11 or of FIG. 12. A keyboard housing ispivotally displaced about pivot axis 1316 and optionally about pivotaxis 1319. Base housing 1312 is pivotally displaced about pivot axis1317 and pivot axis 1318. Both are displaced to substantially coplanarpositions adjacent with display 1313. For one embodiment of thecomputing device, sensing the closed position of base housing 1312 withrespect to display 1313, base housing 1312 enters a standby or shut downconfiguration.

[0074]FIG. 14a illustrates in detail one alternative embodiment of aclosed, standby or shut down configuration of a transformable computingdevice. Keyboard housing 1411 is pivotally displaced about pivot axis1418 and optionally about pivot axis 1417. Base housing 1412 ispivotally displaced about pivot axis 1417 and pivot axis 1418. Both aredisplaced to substantially coplanar positions adjacent with display1413. For one embodiment of the computing device, sensing the closedposition, base housing 1412 enters a standby or shut down configuration.

[0075]FIG. 14b illustrates in detail a user interactive configuration ofthe transformable computing device of FIG. 14a with keyboard housing1411 optionally displaced about pivot axis 1418 and pivot axis 1417 to amode of reduced power consumption while base housing 1412 is pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 1417 and pivot axis 1418 to a coplanarposition adjacent with the back surface of display 1413.

[0076]FIG. 14c illustrates in detail another user interactiveconfiguration of the transformable computing device of FIG. 14a with afully active display 1413, keyboard housing 1411 being supported by basehousing 1412 which is pivotally displaced to form an angle ofsubstantially 90 degrees with the front surface of display 1413.

[0077]FIG. 15a illustrates in detail another alternative embodiment of aclosed, standby or shut down configuration of a transformable computingdevice. Keyboard housing 1511 is pivotally displaced about pivot axis1516 and pivot axis 1518. Base housing 1512 is pivotally displaced aboutpivot axis 1517 and pivot axis 1518. Both are displaced to substantiallycoplanar positions adjacent with display 1513. For one embodiment of thecomputing device, sensing the closed position, base housing 1512 entersa standby or shut down configuration.

[0078]FIG. 15b illustrates in detail a user interactive configuration ofthe transformable computing device of FIG. 15a with keyboard housing1511 displaced about pivot axis 1516 and pivot axis 1518 to a mode ofreduced power consumption while base housing 1512 is pivotally displacedabout pivot axis 1517 and pivot axis 1518 to a coplanar positionadjacent with the back surface of display 1513.

[0079]FIG. 15c illustrates in detail another user interactiveconfiguration of the transformable computing device of FIG. 15a with afully active display 1513 pivotally attached about pivot axis 1518,keyboard housing 1511 pivotally attached about pivot axis 1516 to pivotaxis 1518, and being supported by base housing 1512, which is pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 1517 and pivot axis 1518 to form an angle ofsubstantially 90 degrees with the front surface of display 1513.

[0080]FIG. 16a illustrates in detail another alternative embodiment of aclosed, standby or shut down configuration of a transformable computingdevice. Both keyboard housing 1611, pivotally displaced about pivot axis1616 and pivot axis 1619; and base housing 1612, pivotally displacedabout pivot axis 1617, are displaced to substantially coplanar positionsadjacent with display 1613. Base housing 1612 enters a standby or shutdown configuration.

[0081]FIG. 16b illustrates in detail a user interactive configuration ofthe transformable computing device of FIG. 16a with keyboard housing1611 optionally displaced about pivot axis 1616 and pivot axis 1619 to amode of reduced power consumption while base housing 1612 is pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 1617 and pivot axis 1618 to a coplanarposition adjacent with the back surface of display 1613.

[0082]FIG. 16c illustrates in detail another user interactiveconfiguration of the transformable computing device of FIG. 16a with afully active display 1613 pivotally attached about pivot axis 1618,keyboard housing 1611 pivotally attached about pivot axis 1616 to pivotaxis 1619, and being supported by base housing 1612, which is pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 1617 and pivot axis 1618 to form an angle ofsubstantially 90 degrees with the front surface of display 1613.

[0083]FIG. 17a illustrates a flow diagram for one embodiment of aprocess for configuring a plurality of user interactive modes of atransformable computing device. Processing blocks that perform process1701 and other processes herein disclosed may comprise dedicatedhardware or software or firmware operation codes executable by generalpurpose machines or by special purpose machines or by a combination ofboth.

[0084] In processing block 1711 a key-entry housing is being pivotedabout an edge of a display. Processing then proceeds in processing block1712. In processing block 1712 a check is performed to see if a changein angle is sensed. If not, processing continues in processing block1712 until a change is sensed. Otherwise, processing proceeds inprocessing block 1713 where the angle is checked to see if it issubstantially ninety (90) degrees or more. If so, processing proceeds inprocessing block 1717 where the first interactive user configuration isinitiated and processing then continues in processing block 1712 untilanother change in angle is sensed. Otherwise, processing proceeds inprocessing block 1714 where the angle is checked to see if it issubstantially zero (0) degrees. If so, processing proceeds in processingblock 1716 where the second interactive user configuration is initiatedand processing then continues in processing block 1712 until anotherchange in angle is sensed. Otherwise, processing proceeds in processingblock 1715 where no change in interactive user configuration isinitiated and processing returns to processing block 1712 until a newchange in angle is sensed.

[0085]FIG. 17b illustrates a flow diagram for one embodiment of aprocess 1702 for optionally configuring between a plurality of userinteractive modes and a standby mode of a transformable computingdevice. In processing block 1721 a key-entry housing is being pivotedabout an edge of a display. Processing then proceeds in processing block1722. In processing block 1722 a check is performed to see if a changein angle is sensed. If not, processing continues in processing block1722 until a change is sensed. Otherwise, processing proceeds inprocessing block 1723 where the angle is checked to see if it issubstantially ninety (90) degrees or more. If so, processing proceeds inprocessing block 1727 where the previous interactive user configurationis resumed and processing then continues in processing block 1722 untilanother change in angle is sensed. Otherwise, processing proceeds inprocessing block 1724 where the angle is checked to see if it issubstantially zero (0) degrees. If so, processing proceeds in processingblock 1726 where the current interactive user configuration is switchedto a standby configuration and processing then continues in processingblock 1722 until another change in angle is sensed. Otherwise,processing proceeds in processing block 1725 where no change in deviceconfiguration is initiated and processing returns to processing block1722 until a new change in angle is sensed.

[0086] The above description is intended to illustrate preferredembodiments of the present invention. From the discussion above itshould also be apparent that especially in such an area of technology,where growth is fast and further advancements are not easily foreseen,the invention may be modified in arrangement and detail by those skilledin the art without departing from the principles of the presentinvention within the scope of the accompanying claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a first housing having afirst edge, a display surface and an opposing second surface; a secondhousing comprising a processor and a data storage device, the secondhousing pivotally attached with said first housing proximate said firstedge and displaceable from a first position substantially coplanar withthe first housing and proximate the display surface to a second positionsubstantially coplanar with the first housing and proximate the secondsurface; and a third housing comprising a keyboard, the third housingpivotally attached with said first housing proximate said first edge anddisplaceable from a third position substantially coplanar with the firsthousing to a fourth position substantially coplanar with the secondhousing while the second housing forms an angle with the first housingalong said first edge.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 the third housingdisplaceable to said fourth position while the second housing forms anangle with the first housing along said first edge of substantially 90degrees or more.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 the second housingpivotally attached with said first housing about a plurality of pivotaxes.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 the second housing pivotallydisplaceable by substantially 360 degrees about said first edge.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 4 the display surface of the first housing comprisinga touch sensitive display device.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4 the secondhousing further comprising a rechargeable battery.
 7. An apparatuscomprising: a first housing having a first edge, the first housingcomprising a display device; a second housing comprising a keyboard, thesecond housing pivotally attached with said first housing proximate saidfirst edge and displaceable from a first position substantially coplanarwith the first housing to a second position wherein the second housingforms an angle with the first housing along said first edge of at least90 degrees; and a third housing comprising a processor and a datastorage device, the third housing pivotally attached with said firsthousing proximate said first edge and configurable to support the secondhousing in the second position, the third housing displaceable from athird position substantially coplanar with the first housing to a fourthposition wherein the third housing forms an angle with the first housingalong said first edge.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 the third housingdisplaceable to the fourth position wherein the third housing forms anangle with the first housing along said first edge of substantially 180degrees.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7 the third housing pivotallyattached with said first housing about a first plurality of pivot axesand displaceable by substantially 360 degrees about said first housing.10. The apparatus of claim 9 the third housing further comprising arechargeable battery.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 the second housingpivotally attached with said first housing about a second plurality ofpivot axes and displaceable by substantially 360 degrees about saidfirst housing.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9 the second housingcomprising a wireless keyboard.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9 the firsthousing comprising a touch-sensitive display device.
 14. An apparatuscomprising: a display device having a first edge, a display surface andan opposing second surface; a first housing comprising a key-entrydevice, the first housing pivotally attached with said display deviceproximate the first edge and displaceable from a substantially coplanarfirst position adjacent with the display surface of the display deviceto a second position with the display device wherein an angle is formedalong said first edge between the display surface of the display deviceand the first housing, the key-entry device being deactivated to receiveuser input in said first position, the display device being activated todisplay output in both the first and the second positions; and a secondhousing distinct from the first housing and pivotally attached with saiddisplay device proximate the first edge, the second housing displaceablefrom a substantially coplanar third position with the display device toa supporting position for the first housing in the second position. 15.The apparatus of claim 14 the first housing displaceable to the secondposition with the display device wherein an angle is formed along saidfirst edge of at least 90 degrees between the display surface of thedisplay device and the first housing.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14 thesecond housing comprising at least one processor.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 16 the second housing further comprising a battery.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 14 the second housing pivotally attached with saiddisplay device about a plurality of pivot axes.
 19. The apparatus ofclaim 18 the second housing pivotally attached with said display devicevia a double-acting hinge.
 20. An apparatus comprising: a display devicehaving a first edge, a display surface and an opposing second surface; afirst housing comprising a key-entry device, the first housing pivotallyattached with said display device proximate the first edge; a secondhousing distinct from the first housing and pivotally attached with saiddisplay device proximate the first edge, the apparatus configurable in afirst interactive user configuration when the first housing is pivotedabout the first edge of said display device to a substantially coplanarfirst position adjacent with the display surface of the display deviceand the second housing is pivoted about the first edge of said displaydevice to a substantially coplanar second position adjacent with theopposing second surface of the display device; the apparatusconfigurable in a second interactive user configuration when the firsthousing is pivoted about the first edge of said display device to athird position with the display device wherein an angle is formed alongsaid first edge between the display surface of the display device andthe first housing, the second housing being optionally pivoted about thefirst edge of said display device to a supporting position for the firsthousing.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the angle formed betweenthe display surface and the first housing in the third position issubstantially 90 degrees or more.
 22. The apparatus of claim 20 whereinthe key-entry device is deactivated to receive user input and thedisplay device displays output in a reduced power consumption mode insaid first interactive user configuration.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22wherein the key-entry device is active to receive user input in saidsecond interactive user configuration.
 24. The apparatus of claim 20wherein the key-entry device is active to receive user input and thedisplay device displays output in a reduced power consumption mode insaid first interactive user configuration.
 25. The apparatus of claim 20wherein the apparatus is configurable in a third interactive userconfiguration when the second housing is in the second position adjacentwith the opposing second surface of the display device and the firsthousing is pivoted about the first edge of said display device to asubstantially coplanar fourth position adjacent with the second housingrather than the display device.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25 whereinthe key-entry device is deactivated to receive user input in said thirdinteractive user configuration.
 27. The apparatus of claim 26 whereinthe key-entry device is active to receive user input and the displaydevice displays output in a reduced power consumption mode in said firstinteractive user configuration.
 28. The apparatus of claim 20 the secondhousing comprising a cover to protect the display device.
 29. Theapparatus of claim 28 the second housing further comprising at least oneprocessor.
 30. The apparatus of claim 28 the second housing furthercomprising a battery.
 31. The apparatus of claim 28 the second housingfurther comprising a pointing device.
 32. An apparatus comprising: adisplay device having a first edge, a first display area and a seconddisplay area; a key-entry device pivotally attached with the displaydevice proximate the first edge; and a housing pivotally attached withthe display device proximate the first edge; first pivoting means forpivoting the key-entry device over the display device to cover thesecond display area while the first display area is left visible and isactive to display output; and second pivoting means for pivoting thehousing to a substantially coplanar first position with the displaydevice to cover the first display area and for pivoting the housing to asubstantially coplanar second position with the display device touncover the first display area.
 33. The apparatus of claim 32 whereinthe key-entry device is deactivated to receive user input while coveringthe second display area.
 34. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein thekey-entry device is active to receive user input and the display devicedisplays output in a reduced power consumption mode while the keyboardis covering the second display area.
 35. A computing system comprising:an addressable memory to store data; a processor to access data fromsaid addressable memory responsive to user input; a display device todisplay data output from said processor, the display device having adisplay surface and an opposing second surface; a first housingcomprising a keyboard, the first housing having a first edge and beingpivotally attached with said display device proximate said first edge; asecond housing pivotally attached with said display device and saidfirst housing proximate the first edge; the computing systemconfigurable in a first interactive user configuration when an angle isformed along said first edge between the display surface of the displaydevice and the first housing; and the computing system configurable in asecond interactive user configuration having a reduced power consumptionin comparison with the first interactive user configuration when thefirst housing is pivoted about the first edge to a first positionsubstantially coplanar and adjacent with the display surface of thedisplay device, the second housing being optionally pivoted about thedisplay device to a second position substantially coplanar and adjacentwith the opposing second surface of the display device.
 36. Thecomputing system of claim 35 where in the first interactive userconfiguration, the first housing is pivoted about the first edge to athird position with the display device wherein an angle is formed alongsaid first edge of substantially 90 degrees or more between the displaysurface of the display device and the first housing, the second housingbeing optionally pivoted about the first edge of the first housing to asupporting position for the first housing.
 37. The computing system ofclaim 35 wherein the second housing is pivotally attached with saiddisplay device about a first plurality of pivot axes.
 38. The computingsystem of claim 37 wherein the second housing is pivotally attached withsaid first housing via said display device.
 39. The computing system ofclaim 38 wherein the display device is pivotally attached with saidfirst housing about a second plurality of pivot axes.
 40. The computingsystem of claim 35, said keyboard to accept user input in the firstinteractive user configuration.
 41. The computing system of claim 35,said keyboard to accept user input in the second interactive userconfiguration.
 42. The computing system of claim 35, the second housingcomprising said processor.
 43. The computing system of claim 42 thesecond housing further comprising a battery.
 44. The computing system ofclaim 42 the second housing further comprising a pointing device.